Articles tagged with Legs
Research finds a strong association between alcohol consumption and nocturnal leg cramps in patients over 60. Patients who drink alcohol at least once a week have an increased risk of leg cramps.
Research in Annals of Family Medicine reveals a strong association between alcohol consumption and nocturnal leg cramps, particularly among patients over 60 years old. Additionally, partners of individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes exhibit higher rates of behavioral change compared to those without the disease.
A fossil of a banana-eating bird ancestor was found in North America, dating back 52 million years. The discovery suggests these birds once thrived outside the tropics, with long legs indicating they may have been ground-dwelling.
A new study by University of Warwick found that high-tech negative pressure wound therapy devices do not improve patient recovery or reduce healthcare costs compared to standard dressings. The research suggests that the use of these devices may need to be re-evaluated in light of the findings.
Researchers created artificial mechanosensory nerves using flexible organic devices to emulate biological sensory afferent nerves, controlling a disabled insect leg and distinguishing Braille characters. The device combines mechanoreceptors, neurons, and synapses to process pressure information and actuate muscles.
A new compression bandage developed by MIT engineers features pressure-sensing photonic fibers that change color in response to pressure. This allows caregivers to gauge the optimal pressure and adjust the bandage accordingly.
A study published in JNeurosci reveals a new pattern of neuronal activity in the gastrointestinal tract that generates rhythmic electrical activity in smooth muscle. This finding identifies a previously unknown mechanism for colon movement, suggesting an early feature preserved through nervous system evolution.
Groundbreaking research reveals that leg exercise sends vital signals to the brain for healthy neural cells. Limiting physical activity impairs nerve cell production and maturity.
Researchers trained a 'Regal Jumping Spider' to jump different distances and heights using 3D CT scanning and high-speed cameras. The study reveals the spider uses different jumping strategies depending on the challenge, with internal hydraulic pressure playing a key role in its extraordinary jumping performance.
Following the Kumamoto earthquake, investigators found a high risk of venous thromboembolism in people who remained seated in cars overnight. In many cases, this led to pulmonary thromboembolism, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and public awareness campaigns.
A study found structural changes in the brain's sensory system, which processes sensations and movement, in people with restless legs syndrome. These changes may be related to symptoms such as uncomfortable sensations and an irresistible urge to move the legs.
A study published in Circulation found that patients with acute thrombosis in the leg are at a three-fold higher risk of developing cancer during the first six months after the blood clot. The risk is highest for smoking-related forms of cancer, such as lung and pancreatic cancer.
Researchers Emily Setton and Prashant Sharma discovered that spiders and scorpions co-opted leg genes to build their heads. This genetic adaptation allows scientists to trace the evolutionary history of these animals, revealing a complex web of genetic mechanisms underlying their diversity.
The study proposes a biologically-inspired controller that uses non-linear oscillators to generate diverse gaits and postures. The system can adapt to different walking speeds and is controlled by high-level parameters, enabling real-time adjustments using brain-computer interfaces.
A Salk Institute study has identified distinct molecular profiles in V2a neurons that control arm and leg movements, shedding light on neural regulation of motor control. The findings could lead to personalized stem-cell-based treatments for repairing spinal cord injuries.
Researchers discovered that flattie spiders can sense prey approaching from any direction and whip around in one-eighth of a second to strike. They achieve this feat by using their long legs to create leverage and torque, allowing them to spin up to 40% faster than previously thought.
An interdisciplinary team of scientists discovered that ATM and ATR regulate each other's levels in the brain to maintain a balance between excitation and inhibition. Regular brain activity also changes the levels of these proteins, creating a dynamic 'conversation' that helps keep the appropriate E/I balance.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology found that elderly people walk at a slower speed and tire more quickly due to muscle loss. Building up leg muscles may be the only way to improve elderly walking, according to the study's findings.
Researchers studied fast cockroach locomotion to develop more energy-efficient robot movement. At high speeds, cockroaches adapt their gait by reducing leg coordination, allowing for stable movement on slippery surfaces. This discovery could help robots achieve better endurance and cross-country mobility.
General practitioners trained in compression ultrasonography achieve excellent accuracy in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis, with a diagnostic accuracy of 96%. The technique's sensitivity and specificity rates are comparable to those of expert physicians.
Researchers Lidong Zhang and colleagues developed a new method for propelling tiny motors using the Marangoni effect, eliminating expensive catalysts. The droplets rotate rapidly on water, propelled hundreds of centimeters without pollution, with added electromagnetic generator converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.
The TUM Nano-CT system produces images with resolutions up to 100 nanometers, allowing investigation of individual muscle strands in velvet worm legs. The device has potential applications in biomedical research and medicine, enabling non-destructive examination of tissue samples and clarification of tumor malignancy.
A study published in Animal Cognition found that horses prefer to approach humans with submissive body postures over dominant ones. This preference is thought to be an instinctual understanding of larger vs. smaller postures, as seen in evolutionary communication.
Researchers at EPFL used virtual reality to reduce phantom pain in paraplegics by creating an illusion of tactile stimulation on the legs. The study, published in Neurology, found that subjects who experienced this illusion reported decreased pain levels.
A research participant regained voluntary motor function, including standing and moving without stimulation, six years after a complete spinal cord injury. The recovery was achieved through extended activity-based training with epidural stimulation, challenging previous beliefs that severe injuries would not improve over time.
Researchers have discovered two new genes responsible for the formation of fan-like structures on the legs of a specific water strider species. The findings suggest that genetic mutations can lead to the emergence of new structures that affect an organism's lifestyle and access to ecological niches.
Researchers found mosquitoes make stealthy takeoffs with barely a push-off, instead relying on strong wing beats for lift. They can carry blood meals without issue, using sweeping wing movements to generate extra lift.
Researchers discover that well-fed mosquitoes use a softer take-off technique to evade detection, utilizing their long legs and high wingbeat frequency. This strategy allows them to minimize tactile detection without compromising on take-off speed.
Researchers have identified 13 new genetic risk variants for restless legs syndrome, a condition affecting up to one in ten people of European ancestry. The findings suggest that the condition may be related to neurodevelopmental disorders and offer clues for developing new treatments, including drugs like thalidomide.
A new study linked certain genetic changes to an increased risk of developing lumbar spinal stenosis. The research, involving 469 individuals, provides insights into the potential causes and may help identify patients at risk early.
Researchers found that South Africa's oil-collecting Rediviva bee species have evolved long front legs to reach oil in snapdragons' twin spurs. The length of these spurs varies among species, and bees coat their legs with velvety hairs to soak up the oil.
A UBC study found that consumers with low self-esteem are more likely to dislike clothing on mannequins, while those with higher self-esteem see no issue. The effect was not seen in less aesthetically pleasing mannequin displays.
Researchers at MIT CSAIL developed an interactive design system called Interactive Robogami that allows users to design and 3D-print custom robots in minutes. The system uses simulations, algorithms, and interactive feedback to ensure feasible designs and guarantee stability and speed.
A 62-year-old man developed copper deficiency myelopathy (CDM) due to excessive zinc intake from denture fixative. The condition caused numbness, pain, and weakness in his legs, leading to complete loss of feeling.
A computational design tool developed by Disney Research enables the creation of compliant mechanisms through flexibility, offering potential advantages in industry. The tool optimizes device performance while ensuring robustness and reducing strains.
A new study reveals that restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common in pregnant women, associated with poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and poor daytime function. RLS symptoms were experienced by half of the women with severe symptoms, highlighting the need for identification and treatment.
Six abstracts selected for their innovative therapy approaches and basic research providing knowledge to improve treatment or clarify mode of action. These include a new functional treatment for chronic low back pain and stimulation effects on postural instability in Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a soft, four-legged robot that can walk on rough surfaces like sand and pebbles. The breakthrough was made possible by combining soft and rigid materials using 3D printing, enabling complex shapes for the robot's legs.
Researchers found that one- and two-legged mosquitoes can bite humans and reproduce after losing multiple legs to insecticides. The study's findings suggest re-evaluating WHO testing guidelines for bed nets.
Researchers found that athletes with favorable genetic profiles have lower levels of muscle damage and fatigue during marathons. The study's findings open the door for personalized training based on an individual's genetic makeup.
A new study suggests that severe acute malnutrition in early childhood may prioritize lung development over other less vital growth, resulting in shorter leg lengths and a higher risk of being severely short for their age. The findings have significant implications for the long-term health of children affected by malnutrition.
A new rule developed by Canadian researchers could help hundreds of thousands of women stop taking life-long blood thinners for unexplained vein blood clots. According to the HERDOO2 rule, half of women with unprovoked clots are at low risk of recurrence, allowing them to discontinue medication.
Researchers at Georgia Tech studied the honeybee cleaning process and found that hair spacing is essential for removing up to 15,000 particles in three minutes. The unique spacing allows the forelegs to collect as much pollen as possible with each swipe.
A German survey found that overall awareness of heart failure has not increased over the past decade, with many adults lacking knowledge on its causes, presentation, prognosis, and treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about heart failure to improve early recognition and treatment.
Researchers at Tohoku University successfully demonstrated quadruped gait transition phenomena by changing only speed parameters. The energy-efficient profile of the robot's gait patterns matched those measured in horses.
Researchers found that tiny blood vessels in the eye may predict a higher risk of later narrowing in large blood vessels in the legs. Study participants with retinal abnormalities had a 2.16 times greater risk of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD) and a 3.41 times greater risk of critical limb ischemia (CLI).
A preliminary study found that individuals with relapsing-remitting MS who experience fatigue and limited leg function are at higher risk of progressing to secondary progressive MS. The study suggests that tailored treatments may be more effective for these patients, providing valuable insights into predicting MS progression.
Researchers found a faster way for six-legged robots to move on flat ground without adhesive pads, dubbed the 'bipod' gait. This locomotor strategy is more efficient than traditional tripod gait used by insects.
Researchers discovered fossils of a previously unknown trilobite species that left distinctive fossil footprints around the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The discovery reveals unique leg structures and digestive systems, providing insights into trilobite behavior and biology.
Researchers discovered that jumping water striders adjust their leg movements to prevent the water surface from breaking, allowing them to achieve maximum jump speeds. By studying the biomechanics of these near-vertical jumps, scientists built a mathematical model to explain the behavior and verified its predictions with actual data.
Researchers use advanced techniques to confirm the ancient queen's identity, shedding new light on Egyptian mummification practices. The team's findings support the idea that the mummified legs belong to Queen Nefertari, a favorite wife of Pharaoh Ramses II.
A primate regained control of its paralyzed leg using a neuroprosthetic system that decodes brain activity associated with walking movements and relays this information to the spinal cord. The system was tested in collaboration with an international network of collaborators, including Medtronic and the University of Bordeaux.
A team of scientists has restored intentional walking movement to a temporarily paralyzed leg in rhesus macaques using a wireless brain-spinal interface. The system uses signals recorded from the motor cortex of the brain to trigger coordinated electrical stimulation of nerves in the spine responsible for locomotion.
A study led by the University of Kent found that transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) delayed leg muscle exhaustion by 15% during exhaustive leg exercise. Participants felt less effort during exercise, but no effect was observed on neuromuscular response.
A new high-frequency spinal cord stimulation technique, HF10, offers superior clinical outcomes for patients with severe, chronic back and leg pain. After a trial period, patients were randomly assigned to receive either HF10 or traditional low-frequency SCS, with lasting reductions in back and leg pain reported at two years' follow-up.
Researchers found that long-leg plasma exhaust channels can handle high power densities, exceeding material limits. The configuration promotes the build-up of high gas pressures in the legs, enabling a stable radiating layer to fully accommodate plasma heat exhaust.
Scientists have discovered 43 new species of scaffold web spiders, significantly increasing the known family size by approximately 20%. The discovery was made through a comprehensive survey of individuals collected from across China, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia.
The Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute is conducting the first human trial of a novel combined stem cell and gene therapy for ALS patients. The therapy aims to preserve leg mobility by providing supportive cells that produce glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF).
Researchers study water strider legs to understand how they can walk on water without displacing it, shedding light on a long-standing scientific mystery. By analyzing the shadows cast by their legs, scientists have confirmed key parameters that allow them to perform this remarkable feat.
Researchers in China developed a 'shadow method' to measure forces acting on water strider legs, revealing key principles behind their locomotion. The technique could help design advanced biomimetic robots and measure forces at the single molecular level.